Terms like 'hypoallergenic' and
'fragrance-free' may not mean what you think they do, doctor says
FRIDAY,
March 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Some terms on skin-care product labels may
mislead consumers, so people can't always rely on what they read on the
package, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
"The
language on the label is not always an accurate description of the product
inside the bottle or its potential effects on your skin," Dr. Rajani Katta
said in an academy news release. Katta is a clinical assistant professor of
medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
"Manufacturers
may use certain language for marketing purposes, and the same terms may mean
different things on different products -- and that makes it difficult to
determine what they mean for our skin," Katta explained.
The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration does not regulate descriptions on skin-care
product labels. That means terms such as "for sensitive skin" or
"hypoallergenic" are no guarantee that a product will not irritate or
cause an allergic reaction, she added.
Products
described as "all-natural" aren't necessarily good either.
"Remember, poison ivy is 'all-natural.' And even if a natural ingredient
is good for your skin, some products may combine that ingredient with additives
or preservatives that could be harmful," Katta warned.
In
addition, products described as "fragrance-free" may legally contain
fragrance chemicals -- as long as they are being used for a purpose other than
scent. The term "unscented" also doesn't indicate that a product is
fragrance-free. It can describe products that use fragrance chemicals to mask
other strong smells, Katta explained.
"Unfortunately,
there isn't any labeling language that guarantees a product is hypoallergenic
and suitable for sensitive skin," she said.
Complicating
matters, reactions to skin-care products may not be noticeable right away,
Katta noted. Some people develop an allergy even after using a product for
months or years.
To help
prevent skin reactions, Katta offered these tips:
- Before using a new product, test a small amount on your forearm for a week to see if it triggers a reaction.
- Read and follow all product directions.
- Avoid new products while your skin is irritated or inflamed.
Mary Elizabeth Dallas
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